How to Become an Air Force Pilot

Advanced 1 hour 18 steps 27365 views Rating: 4.2/5 Published: 2026-03-25

Meet the basic age and citizenship requirements.. Qualify for the weight and height requirements.. Meet the criteria for healthy vision.

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Steps

1

Meet the basic age and citizenship requirements.

Step 1

Meet the basic age and citizenship requirements.

2

Qualify for the weight and height requirements.

Step 2

Qualify for the weight and height requirements.

3

Meet the criteria for healthy vision.

Step 3

Meet the criteria for healthy vision.

4

Check your medical history.

Step 4

Check your medical history.

5

Have a clear criminal record.

Step 5

Have a clear criminal record.

6

Earn a bachelor's degree before applying to become an officer.

Step 6

Earn a bachelor's degree before applying to become an officer.

7

Join the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFROTC) in college if you w

Step 7

Join the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFROTC) in college if you want a head start.

8

Attend the Air Force Academy (AFA) if you want to attend a military academy.

Step 8

Attend the Air Force Academy (AFA) if you want to attend a military academy.

9

Skip college and enlist as an Airman right after high school to speed things up.

Step 9

Skip college and enlist as an Airman right after high school to speed things up.

10

Take the Air Force Qualifying Test (AFQT) after earning a bachelor's degree.

Step 10

Take the Air Force Qualifying Test (AFQT) after earning a bachelor's degree.

11

Go through physical and mental screening.

Step 11

Go through physical and mental screening.

12

Pass the Selection Board.

Step 12

Pass the Selection Board.

13

Prepare for Officer Training by starting to work out 6 weeks in advance.

Step 13

Prepare for Officer Training by starting to work out 6 weeks in advance.

14

Complete the Officer Training School.

Step 14

Complete the Officer Training School.

15

Pass an Air Force Physical to be Pilot Qualified (PQ).

Step 15

Pass an Air Force Physical to be Pilot Qualified (PQ).

16

Attend the 1-year-long Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT)

Step 16

Attend the 1-year-long Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT).

17

Commit to a 10-year active duty service.

Step 17

Commit to a 10-year active duty service.

18

Complete additional training and move to your permanent duty station.

Step 18

Complete additional training and move to your permanent duty station.

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